“No, not entirely,” assented the Brother, as though yielding a point.
“Anyhow, I should like to reward you, John. Now, is there anything occurs to you I can do for you?”
“I’m awful hungry,” said John modestly.
“Appetite,” observed the Rector, “waits on a good confession. Brother, can’t you set this boy up to something extra?”
“Beefsteak and onions, cornbread, buttered toast?” cried the Infirmarian interrogatively.
Master Rieler had no need to express himself in words. His face showed glad assent.
“Come and join me, Clarence,” begged the hero of the day as he seated himself later to the “spread.”
“Thank you; I’ve had a good meal already,” answered Clarence, “but I’ll take just a little to keep you company.”
His taking “a little” had such an effect upon the Infirmarian that after watching Clarence’s performance for a few minutes he could no longer contain himself.
“Look here, Clarence! If you go on, you’ll swell up and bust.”